Belfast Summer School of Traditional Music
Belfast’s first ever Summer School of Traditional Music is happening this July and August.
Chieftains fiddler, Tara Breen, is set to tutor and perform at the inaugural Belfast Summer School of Traditional Music from 31 July – 4 August, alongside of wealth of famous names from the world of traditional music.
Bringing together and celebrating both the Irish and Ulster-Scots musical traditions, the unique festival includes performances, recitals, masterclasses, lectures, talks and sessions across Belfast, supported by the Arts Council of Northern Ireland, Belfast City Council and the Ulster University.
Traditional music is going to provide the effervescent soundtrack to this summer as the first-ever Belfast Summer School of Traditional Music (BSSoTM) brings jigs and reels to all four corners of Belfast city – but with its heart beating in the culturally rich Cathedral Quarter.
For five days, hundreds of budding traditional musicians, young and old (6+), will get the chance to learn from the finest performers around in what is sure to be one of those “I was there” events.
The new cutting-edge Ulster University building in York Street will be the venue for the series of masterclasses across 18 instruments which will see young musicians no longer having to travel to get tuition from traditional music royalty.
“Every year, hundreds of traditional musicians from the North travel West to attend traditional music summer schools such as The Willie Clancy Summer School in Miltown Malbay, County Clare or The South Sligo Summer School in Tubbercurry, Co Sligo.
“Demand is always high and these summer schools attract thousands of participants and audiences from across the country and internationally.
“But at present, no similar summer schools exist in the North and our aim is to create the unique experience of these summer schools right here in the heart of Belfast,” says co- founder and Musical Director of the Summer School, renowned traditional musician and producer, Dónal O’Connor.
“Not only has it been proven that musical ability soars following attendance at a summer school, but life-long friendships are made and old friendships renewed,” he added.
The Belfast Summer School of Traditional Music is also breaking new ground with the Ulster-Scots community.
Pipers, drummers and fifers will have a chance to learn and perform without having to travel to the Republic of Ireland, Scotland of further for access to world-class tutors.
“Pipe Band musicians have never been involved directly in Traditional Irish Music Summer Schools and to this end the involvement of Highland Bagpipers, Fife players and Snare Drummers in a trailblazing new initiative that will provide fun as well as meaningful interaction between cultural traditions.
“One of our aims is to encourage and build tolerance, trust, respect and understanding among all cultural communities while having a whale of a time!” says co- founder Ray Morgan.
Maria McAlister, Arts Development Officer for Traditional Music, Arts Council of Northern Ireland, added, “The Arts Council is delighted to support this terrific school of music which shines a light on and celebrates the shared rich tapestry of musical traditions we are fortunate to have in Northern Ireland.
